Industry news
Seven die in Italian train crash
Posted Mon, 12 Apr 2010
A fatal train crash in northern Italy has left seven people dead and many more injured.
The accident happened near the city of Merano after the train derailed due to a landslide. Twenty people were injured and the country's Ansa news agency said many more were in a critical condition.
The line runs along the Adige river on one side and mountains are situated on the other. A transport official in Bolzano said the landslide was caused when an irrigation pipe ruptured. The oncoming train was engulfed by falling rocks, debris and water.
The line is one of Italy's most modern and was opened only five years ago. Officials said it was a small, local train and it was not clear how many passengers were on board.
At least one carriage was destroyed, its windows shattered. Trees prevented it from plunging into the river.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
Merano